Who should be Gore District's next mayor?

With locals due to go to the polls in early October, we're asking the two candidates for their opinions on the major issues facing the district. We'll run the answers over the next five weeks.

Here's the first instalment, in alphabetical order:

What, in your opinion, is the major issue facing Gore District and what will you do to address it if elected?

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Ben Bell

Age: 23

Occupation: Director/business owner (Software Development)

What, in your opinion, is the major issue facing Gore District and what will you do to address it if elected?

We need to ensure our core services are done well, and get back to basics. This means we need to invest in our infrastructure, waste management and community wellbeing. We need to fix our pipes, bring back recycling, and have a strong plan to address flooding issues around our district.

To deliver on this I will ensure our ratepayer funds are invested wisely, and stop spending on the nice-to-have projects . I will look for low-cost community-led solutions, and work with neighbouring councils to build back up a recycling service we can be proud of, that employs local people. Above all, I will lead a Council that listens to its community.

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Tracy Hicks

Age: 70

Occupation: Mayor

What, in your opinion, is the major issue facing Gore District and what will you do to address it if elected?

The large multiple challenges facing Local Government across the nation are replicated in Gore District. Challenges such as reforming ownership delivered of water supply and wastewater disposal, the delivery of consenting and resource management, and reviewing the structure and purpose of local government. I have a strong view on all of these changes but it’s not possible to do justice to them in this short profile. The most contentious reform has been 3 Waters. For my view and the Gore District Council’s please read the submission I recently made to Government. It is available at - lets.talk.goredc.govt.nz

Our District is a fantastic place to call home. However, our ageing population, meeting the demand for housing and ensuring fit for purpose health services are available and affordable are probably the three challenges I have spent the most energy on recently.

Managing rates affordability given the duel challenge of Government regulation and community expectation continues to be something I loose sleep over and as we move into the next term of council is something councillors need to have front of mind at all times as decisions are made.